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Basting: Please do not pin or baste the quilt layers together. Each layer of the quilt will be loaded separately onto the quilting frame separately.
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Quilt Top: Press seams well and clip off as many loose threads from the front and back as possible. In particular, if you quilt top is made up of light colored fabrics, you will want to make sure that there are no dark threads showing through the front. I am not responsible for trimming threads, whether or not I see them. Mark the top edge of the quilt in an obvious manner.
- Trim all
threads, especially on quilt tops that are a mixture of
dark and light fabrics as dark threads will detract from
the beauty of the quilt if they aren't trimmed.
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Pressing: It is important that the top is well pressed to prevent tucks or pleating during the quilting process. Inspect the top to be sure it is square and lies flat. If the quilt top is not square, it will result in more work to ensure that it lays straight and flat as it is quilt. If there are any imperfections that occur in any pieced quilt, we can quilt around them or even quilt to fit them in some cases-- everything can be corrected but sometimes, the corrections result in additional charges. (These charges may not be noted prior to the service being provided.)
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Embellishments should only be applied AFTER the quilting is complete and the quilt is returned to you. While not required, a row of stitching applied 1/4 inch or less by you from the edge of the quilt top will prevent stretching. This is particularly useful for pieced borders or quilts with lots of bias edges. If your quilt has a definite �top�, please mark it with a note pinned to the top.
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Backing: Backing should be sewn so that it is at least 8″ wider and longer than your quilt top. For example, if your quilt measures 72″ x 92″, the backing should measure at least 80″ x 100″. Please seam the backing so that it is a horizontal seam (top to bottom) rather than a vertical seam. If you create multiple vertical seams (say in a brick pattern), please make them no longer than 18". If you have any questions about this or want me to create the backing for you, please let me know as this can be arranged. The backing needs to be straight and flat as well.
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Batting: Batting should be at least 6″ wider and longer than your quilt top. For example, if your quilt measures 72″ x 92″, the backing should measure at least 78″ x 98″. For best results, use a high quality batting suitable for machine quilting. I have a poly/cotton, cotton, and wool blends available if you don�t provide batting to me.
- Thread: There is no need to provide your own thread. If you do provide me with thread, I may not be able to use it due to possible damage to the quilting machine. Feel free to bring it and we'll see if it works. I have a wide variety of high quality threads for you to choose from. One thread for top and bottom, of your choice, is included in the per inch quilting charge.